The 2021 season belonged to Cooper Kupp. After being a solid receiving option with the Los Angeles Rams for years, he broke out and become an All-Pro by leading the NFL in catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. His skills were on full display in the Rams' playoff win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kupp torched the Buccaneers for a 70-yard touchdown in the first half. He made plenty more catches before hauling in two on the Rams' final drive that allowed them to get into field-goal range. The second of them went for 44 yards and sailed right over the entire Tampa Bay defense.
The final stat line for Kupp: nine catches, 183 receiving yards, a touchdown and a lost fumble. After the game, he explained the play that got kicker Matt Gay in position to kick the game-winning field goal.
Cooper Kupp said he ran what the Rams playfully call a “love of the game” route on his 44-yard catch, thinking he was running deep just to attract defenders and open up something else. Matthew Stafford went his way when the Bucs brought six rushers. pic.twitter.com/F4zkg4c0ml
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) January 24, 2022
Kupp's connection with Matthew Stafford is the key piece of Los Angeles' stellar offense. The superstar wide receiver was just 53 yards from collecting 2,000 receiving yards on the season. His breakout campaign marks a new direction for the Rams' offense removing forward, as he will likely serve as the centerpiece of the passing game around Odell Beckham Jr., Robert Woods, Van Jefferson and Tyler Higbee moving forward.
Overall, Los Angeles should be very thankful for Kupp's huge plays. He made up for his brutal fumble that gave the Bucs great field position. Thanks to his surefire hands, the Rams are moving on in the playoffs.
LA will face the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game next Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Kupp should be able to feast yet again and help the Rams get back to the Super Bowl.
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